When it comes to managing body odor and sweating, it's important to understand the difference between deodorants and antiperspirants. While both products aim to improve personal hygiene, they serve distinct purposes.
Deodorants are designed to tackle body odor. They work by neutralizing or masking the smell produced by microbes on your skin or local secretions from skin. Deodorants do not affect how much you sweat; their sole purpose is to keep you smelling a certain way.
Antiperspirants, on the other hand, are formulated to reduce sweating. They achieve this by blocking the sweat glands, primarily those in the armpits and sometimes other areas like the groin. The active ingredients in many over-the-counter antiperspirants are aluminum salts, which are effective at reducing sweat production. However, these can sometimes cause staining on clothes.
For those dealing with hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, over-the-counter antiperspirants containing aluminum salts can be a great starting point. These products often provide significant relief. Use them as needed, especially in situations where sweating might be socially or professionally embarrassing.
If over-the-counter options don't work, it might be time to consult a dermatologist. They have access to more potent treatments, such as prescription-strength topical antiperspirants with high concentrations of aluminum chloride. Another option is topical glycopyrrolate wipes, which can also significantly reduce sweating.
For more severe cases, dermatologists may recommend botulinum toxin injections. These are particularly effective for armpits, as they block the nerve signals that trigger sweat production. While effective, this treatment can be painful, especially for the hands, and may require nerve blocks. Also, this is not as effective in hands and feet, so the juice may not be worth the squeeze.
Iontophoresis is another treatment option where a low electrical current is used to reduce sweating. This method is commonly used for the hands and feet and involves sitting in a shallow bath with the current running through it. The procedure is safe and well-calibrated to avoid any risk of electrocution. The beauty of iontophoresis is that you can purchase such devices online and put them to work on your own. Some insurance payers may even reimburse you for the purchase, so check with your plan to see if that is a covered service.
For those with widespread hyperhidrosis, systemic anticholinergic medications like glycopyrrolate and oxybutynin can be effective. These oral medications work throughout the body to reduce sweating but can have side effects such as dry mouth, constipation, and in very high doses, neurological symptoms.
In summary, while deodorants and antiperspirants serve different functions, the choice between them depends on whether you're addressing odor or sweat. For excessive sweating, starting with over-the-counter antiperspirants is a good approach. If those don't suffice, a dermatologist can offer stronger solutions, ranging from prescription products to specialized treatments.
If you found this helpful, subscribe to Dr. Bibi's Newsletter for cutting edge skincare and share this article. For further insights into skincare simplification, check out my book "Sick Skin - Skin Care Made Simple" on Amazon, now available in audio.
Thanks for reading and God bless.
Yuval Bibi, MD/PhD - Board Certified Dermatologist
Share and get 15% off!
Simply share this product on one of the following social networks and you will unlock 15% off!